Can You Stay on an Economy 7 Tariff with the NEOS Electric Radiator?

If you currently have night storage heaters, you’re probably on an Economy 7 tariff. So when switching to NEOS electric radiators, can you keep that tariff?

The Short Answer: No

Economy 7 tariffs are specifically designed for night storage heaters, not the NEOS.

What Is Economy 7?

Economy 7 is an electricity tariff that offers:

• Cheaper electricity for 7 hours overnight (typically 12am-7am)

• More expensive electricity during the day

The tariff was designed for night storage heaters that charge overnight using cheap electricity, then release that stored heat during the day.

Why the NEOS Doesn’t Suit Economy 7

The NEOS electric radiator is not a night storage heater. It provides heat when you need it, not just during off-peak hours.

Unlike night storage heaters that must charge overnight, the NEOS heats your room on demand:

• Morning warmth when you wake up

• Evening comfort when you’re home from work

• Anytime heating based on your schedule

Most of your NEOS usage will happen during the day and evening, exactly when Economy 7 charges higher rates.

The Cost Problem

If you stay on Economy 7 with NEOS radiators, you’ll pay premium daytime rates for most of your heating. The cheap overnight rate becomes irrelevant because you’re not using significant electricity at night.

Economy 7 daytime rates are often higher than standard tariff rates, meaning you could actually pay more by staying on Economy 7.

What Tariff Should You Use?

We recommend switching to a standard electricity tariff for the cost-effective use of NEOS electric radiators.

Standard tariffs charge one rate regardless of time of day, which suits the NEOS’s on-demand heating perfectly.

What About Octopus Energy?

If you’re switching from night storage heaters, it’s also a good time to look at your tariff and Octopus Energy is one option worth considering.

We’ve partnered with Octopus because they offer a range of tariffs designed for modern electric homes. One that may be relevant is Cosy Octopus, a tariff built around cheaper off-peak periods, which can suit households that can shift some electricity use into those lower-cost windows.

Quick note: we’re heating specialists, not tariff experts, and tariffs vary by home, region, and meter setup. The best thing to do is speak to Octopus directly so they can confirm whether Cosy Octopus (or another Octopus tariff) is a good fit for your household and your heating habits.

To find out more, give Octopus a ring on 833-OCTO-888 or email [email protected]  and ask about Cosy Octopus and whether it’s suitable for your property and usage.

You can also read our Octopus partnership blog here: Switch to Smarter, Greener Heating: Trust Electric Heating Partners with Octopus Energy - Trust Electric Heating

Making the Switch

Switching from Economy 7 to a standard tariff is straightforward:

• Contact your energy supplier

• Request a tariff change

• They’ll switch you over (usually within a few weeks)

Your energy supplier can advise on the best standard tariff for your usage patterns.

The Bottom Line

No, staying on Economy 7 with NEOS electric radiators isn’t recommended. Economy 7 is designed for night-charging storage heaters. The NEOS works best on standard tariffs, providing heat when you need it at consistent rates.

Since 2014, thousands of customers across the UK have switched from storage heaters to NEOS radiators and moved to standard tariffs for better value.

Need Advice?

Switching from storage heaters to NEOS radiators? We can guide you through the change.

 Call 0800 5999 109 or email [email protected] for advice.

Scott Conor

Chief Technical Officer

In 2012, Scott founded Trust and invented the NEOS electric radiator after finding a gap for a more innovative and cost-effective electric radiator within the industry. He’s the driving force behind Trust’s research and development, using market-leading strategies to keep customers warm.

Meet the Team | More Blogs from Scott

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